Profile

Dr. Marion Dresner graduated with her MS in Natural Resources in 1978 and went on to earn her PhD in Natural Resources from the University of Michigan in 1985. Dr. Dresner's research foci include forest ecology, ecology education, urban garden ecology, and citizen participation in environmental science.

Dr. Dresner is currently engaged in a long-term research project in Portland's Forest Park. She and graduate students study the impact of urbanization on the forest over time with 6 permanent research plots in two watersheds in the park. She also conducts urban ecology research about the ecological and social impacts of backyard habitat restoration in the Portland area working with citizen scientists. She collaborates with pollination ecologists to work with science teachers, engaging them in urban garden research.